Though Juan Carlos Oviedo didn't pitch for the Rays last season as he rehabbed from Tommy John elbow surgery, the right-hander impressed them enough to be re-signed for $1.5 million guaranteed, with another $1.4 million available in incentives.

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"When we signed Juan Carlos last winter, we felt that when he returned to health, he could play a key role in our bullpen in 2014," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Thursday. "Observing his work ethic throughout the rehab process and getting to know him as a person has strengthened that feeling, and we're excited to have the chance to see this through."

Oviedo, 31, has closing experience, saving 92 games with a 3.46 ERA for the Marlins in 2009-11 when known as Leo Nunez. He missed the past two seasons, first for a suspension stemming from age/identity fraud, then the injury.

The deal saved the Rays $470,000. They initially declined a $2 million option and paid a $30,000 buyout.

Brewers-Royals trade: The Royals acquired outfielder Norichika Aoki from the Brewers to be their leadoff hitter, which also means Milwaukee likely will shift Ryan Braun to rightfield. The Brewers received left-hander Will Smith, who spent most of the past two seasons shuffling between Kansas City and Triple A. Aoki hit .286 with eight homers and 20 steals last season.

Wilson rejoins Dodgers: Free agent reliever Brian Wilson agreed to terms on a $10 million, one-year contract to stay with the Dodgers, the Associated Press said. The deal is pending a physical of the three-time All-Star. The contract includes an $8.5 million player option for the 2015 season.

Mariners: Utility player Willie Bloomquist signed a $5.8 million, two-year deal, bringing him back where he began his big-league career.

Phillies: Catcher Wil Nieves, who played in 71 games last season for the Diamondbacks and batted .297, signed a $1,125,000, one-year contract.

Rangers: Jose Contreras, a Cuban right-hander who turns 42 today, signed a minor-league contract that includes a nonroster invitation to major-league spring training.

Twins: The team signed former Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes to a $24 million, three-year contract.

Yankees: Free agent catcher Brian McCann was introduced as the newest member of the team after signing a five-year, $85 million deal. "If he can continue to do (what he did with Atlanta), you are talking about a potential Hall of Famer," GM Brian Cashman said.